Ducati Sale: Volkswagen Does Not Deny the Rumors

• The trigger is the sale of a majority stake in the marine engine business Everllence for approximately 7.4 billion euros (about 8.4 billion US dollars).
• Volkswagen does not officially confirm the sale rumors but does not deny them either.
• On July 9, 2026, the board is expected to present its plans to the supervisory board.

Reports of a possible sale of individual brands within the Volkswagen Group are intensifying. Once again, Ducati, the Italian motorcycle brand from Borgo Panigale, is at the center of the debate. The discussion was triggered by a Financial Times report claiming that investment bankers are advising the corporation to consider selling the brand. Rather than clearly denying the reports, Volkswagen responded with a statement that neither confirms nor rules out a sale.

Why Is a Ducati Sale Back on the Table?

The trigger is the successful sale of a majority stake in the marine engine business Everllence, through which Volkswagen is said to have raised approximately 7.4 billion euros (about 8.4 billion US dollars). Advisors are reportedly hoping that the high price will prompt the corporation to reconsider earlier proposals to sell Ducati or to spin off Lamborghini. The background is the Financial Times report, according to which the proceeds from the Everllence deal could quickly be consumed by the costs of restructuring the group. Previously, Volkswagen had already divested the sports car brand Bugatti, which was transferred to Rimac and a consortium of investors.

What Does Volkswagen Say About the Sale Rumors?

Volkswagen does not deny the reports but refers to a fundamental restructuring of the entire corporation. In its statement, the company explains that it does not comment on internal and confidential documents and does not wish to preempt the decisions of the responsible bodies. At the same time, the corporation confirms that the entire automotive industry and the Volkswagen Group are undergoing a profound transformation. The previous business model of developing vehicles in Germany, manufacturing them in Europe, and exporting them worldwide no longer works across all brands.

The corporation states that new tariffs, tougher competition, and partly declining markets are hitting the company with burdens in the double-digit billions per year. To remain competitive, the entire group must become significantly leaner and more efficient, with a stronger focus and stricter discipline in costs and investments. Volkswagen specifically mentions the brands and subsidiaries, all of which would need to undergo profound changes – a formulation that includes Ducati without directly naming the brand. According to the corporation, implementation is to be carried out in the next step together with the supervisory board.

Billion-Euro Restructuring and Job Cuts at Volkswagen

According to its own statements, Volkswagen is in the midst of one of the largest restructurings in its corporate history. Up to 100,000 jobs worldwide are set to be eliminated, and the closure of four plants is reportedly planned. The affected locations are said to include Hannover, Zwickau, and Emden, as well as the Audi plant in Neckarsulm. The reasons cited include strong competition from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, weak demand in Europe, and high spending on the next generation of electric cars.

Also on the stock market, the situation is leaving its mark. The preference share most recently closed at 70.38 euros (approximately 81 US dollars), trading just above its most recent 52-week low. Since the beginning of the year, the share price has fallen by nearly 34 percent.

Is a Sale of Ducati Likely?

Despite the new speculation, a sale is by no means certain. Several unnamed analysts continue to consider a sale of Ducati unlikely, as the corporation is said to be reluctant to part with consistently profitable brands. Observers also point out that selling loss-making divisions such as the battery subsidiary PowerCo would hardly be as lucrative as the Everllence deal. Volkswagen itself declined to comment on whether further major assets could be divested, according to the Financial Times.

How Valuable Are Ducati and Lamborghini to the Corporation?

According to reports, Ducati is considered one of the most valuable non-automotive brands in the Volkswagen Group, although the reports do not cite a specific valuation for the motorcycle brand. The brand joined Volkswagen in 2012 through the group subsidiary Audi and has since been one of the most profitable premium brands in the group. This reputation is built on a model range positioned in the premium segment and successes in MotoGP and the Superbike World Championship. In 2025, Ducati recorded a slight decline in sales and revenue, as did the entire industry, but remained profitable.

In addition to Ducati, Lamborghini is also in focus. Instead of a sale, an IPO is being considered for the sports car brand, with which Volkswagen could replicate the successful Porsche IPO from 2022. Bloomberg Intelligence reportedly values Lamborghini at more than 19 billion euros (over 22 billion US dollars). Last year, the brand is said to have generated a profit of approximately 770 million euros (888 million US dollars) despite tariff issues.

Have There Been Previous Sale Plans for Ducati?

Yes, back in 2017, Volkswagen examined a sale of Ducati as part of a strategic review. At that time, several potential buyers were linked to the brand before the plans were abandoned. The trigger was the fallout from the diesel emissions scandal, during which the corporation needed additional funds. In the past, employee representatives are also said to have blocked a sale. Now, the idea that Ducati could find a new home outside the corporation is back on the table for the first time in nearly a decade.

What Happens Next with Ducati?

A decision on the restructuring is expected on July 9, 2026, when the board presents its plans to the supervisory board. Officially, Ducati is not for sale, and there are currently no indications that Volkswagen has actually decided to sell. A potential Ducati sale would also be part of a broader trend in the motorcycle industry, where brands such as KTM moved to Bajaj and Indian Motorcycle was acquired by a financial investor. Should Volkswagen need substantial capital, Ducati would reportedly attract worldwide interest.

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